The Vermont Legislature appears likely to approve a bill which would legalize same-sex marriages in the state. The state Senate passed the bill overwhelmingly yesterday. Bishop Tom Ely of the Diocese of Vermont was among those who testified in support of the bill to a Senate panel last week.

The bill, which passed the 30-member chamber by a 26-4 margin, moves to the Vermont House, where it is also expected to be approved. Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, however, has said he doesn’t support the bill.

“Gov. Douglas agrees with President Obama that marriage is between a man and a woman. He supports Vermont’s current civil union law, which provides equal rights, benefits and responsibilities to Vermonters in civil unions,” Douglas spokeswoman Dennise Casey said.

He also “believes this bill is a distraction from the important work the Legislature needs to do to pass a responsible budget and get our economy going again,” Casey added.

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4 Comments

Peter Pearson

March 24, 2009

You see? All this screaming and yelling is only the last gasps of another slice of injustice perishing. It has begun and those who oppose it can do their best, but they will not push GLBT folks back into their closets. All those who pay INTO the system should expect equal justice FROM the system as well. Americans don’t like taxation without representation, it’s in our blood. The sacramental question is a separate issue, this is civil.

Nicholas Knisely

March 24, 2009

I think you’re spot on here Peter. I expecting that the Church will ultimately act to formally recognize same-sex unions after the state has already done so.

Which is probably going to be a sad thing looking back. But not unusual.

Jim could just sign the measure and then it wouldn’t be a distraction. He did sign a bill outlawing job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity last year (albeit after vetoing a similar bill).

Just a reminder that in Vermont each body, Senate and House, must vote twice on a bill before it is enacted. So while the Senate now has voted twice in the affirmative, the House now must vote likewise. Then there is the question of our guv’nuh who is against same-sex marriage. He can veto the bill, sign it or not sign it in which case it will automatically become law at the end of the session. Clearly the middle option is the most positive, the last option the most passive, and the first not an option (!).

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